RATHMINES has the potential to be known across Australia as the home of Catalina flying boats, similar to Longreach's reputation as the birthplace of Qantas.
That's the belief of Rathmines Catalina Association president Bill Anderson, who is calling on Lake Macquarie City Council for a timeline for when the group will be able to move the 1940s Catalina it is restoring off-site to Rathmines Park, where it can complete the work and display the plane.
He said the group was "getting to the end of the road" and had about six months worth of off-site work left to restore the fuselage and the centre part of the wing. The other parts in storage need to be reattached at Rathmines.
"That's what it should be," Mr Anderson said, of Rathmines being synonymous with Catalinas, the same way Longreach is with Qantas.
"It was the largest flying boat base in the Southern Hemisphere. Build it and they will come. Council has reopened the community hall and they could link together and be a heritage trail."
The association has hosted a festival for 12 years to highlight the history of the former RAAF seaplane base and raise money for restoration. Mr Anderson said it decided last year not to hold another festival until it had a development application.
"Why would we raise money for restoration if we can't display it?" he asked.
Mr Anderson said the association had reached out to the council to discuss its dream but was "disappointed" at the lack of progress made on the project.
A council spokesperson said feedback on the draft master plan and plan of management for Rathmines Park closed on August 7.
"The final draft plans will be considered for adoption by council in October 2020," the spokesperson said.
"The plans provide for the development of a Catalina interpretation hangar on the site, subject to the preparation and approval of a viable business case.
"Determination of a business case will be required before approval can be given to lodge a development application."
Mr Anderson said the time frame was critical.
"We've emphasised for over three years now we really want it to be in the park in some form of building by 2021," he said.
"The restoration blokes, they're all over 60 and many including me are 70, they've been doing this now for four to five years.
"They're getting fed up... you start a project and you want to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
"Unless it's in the next year or two, to me it's potentially a lost cause because these guys are just not going to hang around and become old men waiting to finish the project. We all want to see it resolved."
To make an appointment to view the Catalina, email info@rathmines-catalina.com.
